Students to save lives

Despite having both parents in the Air Force, a trainee medic at the triservice Army School of Health at Bonegilla, Victoria, decided to join the Army.

Private Natasha Francis said she chose to become a medic in the Army to learn new skills and help people in need. It was a career she had always aimed for.

“Being an Army medic allows me to assist others serving and gives me experiences I wouldn’t get in civilian life,” she said.

“I enjoy the teamwork and each individual’s knowledge and experiences they bring to the course.

“I also enjoy the different practical exercises our staff organise for us.”

Trainee medic Private Robert McIntyre followed his father into the Army.

“The instructors at the Army School of Health have been excellent in teaching their skills,” he said.

“They allow us to better our abilities as future medics, and I have really enjoyed the practical activities they set up for us.”

Instructor Sergeant Ellen Greig, whose grandfather Corporal Donald Greig served in the 2nd/23rd Bn during WWII and also trained at Bonegilla, said she enjoyed the direct positive influence the instructors had on the trainees.

“The autonomy of my role as course manager is entirely supported by my hierarchy,” she said.

“We, the senior non commissioned officers, have a strong and varied team and our experience and teaching styles are strengthened here.

“It’s very rewarding to have the trainees ask questions and be genuinely interested in the answers.” Sergeant Greig said she was fascinated with biology and animals throughout her school years.

“I wanted an Army job that would allow me to study along biology lines with a strong practical component,” she said.

“Now I can apply that new knowledge to help the soldiers who will need it.”

There are 26 sailors, 115 soldiers and 18 airmen and airwomen attending ADF medic courses at the Army School of Health.

On completion of their 18-month course they will graduate with a nationally recognised Diploma in Paramedical Science and a Diploma in Enrolled Nursing.